Connections welcome after tough year

Over 2,000 registered delegates attended the successful Hort Connections 2021 in Brisbane from 7 to 9 June, despite the noticeable absence of the Victorian contingent due to COVID-19 lockdowns. The premier event in Australian horticulture, a joint initiative between AUSVEG and PMA Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ), Hort Connections 2021 provided speaker sessions, trade show, networking events, tours and gala awards nights for those in attendance. “The conference provided an opportunity for delegates to build their knowledge and networks, and find new ways to improve the productivity and profitability of their businesses,” AUSVEG and PMA A-NZ said in a joint statement. “The Hort Connections conference encompasses the vegetable, fruit, nut, cut floral and nursery sectors. This year, over 60 industry organisations and supply chain partners supported the event to provide added value to delegates, and allow them to access the expertise and services of a range of industry members in one central location.” Australia’s Fresh Produce Markets, a collaboration between the Central Markets Association of Australia (CMAA) and Fresh Markets Australia (FMA), held naming rights for the trade show for the fourth year and each Central Market’s landlord and chamber came together to represent the wholesale fruit and vegetable industry. The stand was a major drawcard, with delegates drawn to the dynamic display of produce from wholesalers across the country and the dedicated coffee stand which allowed Central Markets representatives to promote the work of the wholesale sector to the thousands of people in attendance. “Even though we missed our Central Market colleagues and delegates from Victoria, the trade show was a great success for us. Our stand, awarded the Best Booth Design 2021, was a great meeting point for delegates to grab a cup of coffee and talk with our Central Markets teams,” FMA General Manager, Gail Woods, said.

Top honours: The joint FMA-CMAA stand representing Australia’s Fresh Produce Markets took out the Best Booth Design award during the Hort Connections trade show.

Keeping contact: BML’s communications team Luke Leeson (left) and Seren Trump (right) catching up with Bowen Gumlu Growers Association’s new General Manager, Ry Collins, during the trade show.